These two Canadian gold companies challenge you to disrupt mining

Innovators have until Jan. 25 to pitch their ideas. (Image from #Disrupt Mining)

Canada’s Goldcorp and Integra Gold have partnered up to sponsor a contest that aims to unveil innovative ways to introduce technologies that may completely transform the mining sector.

The best proposals submitted to the #Disrupt Mining initiative will be presented during a “Shark-Tank”-style event during the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference to be held in Toronto, from March 5 to 8.

Five finalists will receive an all expense paid trip to Toronto to present at the #DisruptMining live event and compete for the $1 million top-prize.

"The mining industry is overdue for radical, disruptive innovation that drives value, enhances safe production and performance across every aspect of our business, from exploration through to reclamation and closure," Todd White, Goldcorp’s senior vice president, technical services and business excellence said when launching the contest last month.

The two companies continue to call for “disruptors” to pitch new ideas and business proposals. Interested participants are encouraged to submit an application online before 9:00pm PST on Wednesday, January 25, 2017.

Five finalists will receive an all expense paid trip to Toronto to present at the #DisruptMining live event and compete for the $1 million top-prize. 10 additional semi-finalists will be invited to present their ideas to a select group of 250-300 mining executives.

All proceeds will be donated to charities in communities where the mining companies operate, and used to create scholarships “designed to spur innovation in mining,” the companies said.